Overexpression of IgLON cell adhesion molecules changes proliferation and cell size of cortical astrocytes.

IgLON family is a subgroup of the immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules and composed of limbic system-associated protein (LAMP), opioid binding cell adhesion molecule (OBCAM), neurotrimin (Ntm) and Kilon. In the present study, we investigated the overexpression of LAMP, OBCAM, Ntm and Kilon on the proliferation and cell size of type-1 astrocytes in vitro. Quantitative analysis using bromodeoxyuridine immunocytochemistry revealed that the expression of OBCAM had greater inhibitory effect on astrocytic proliferation as compared with LAMP, Ntm and Kilon ones.

OBCAM, an immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecule, regulates morphology and proliferation of cerebral astrocytes.

Opioid-binding cell adhesion molecule (OBCAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. In the present study, we investigated the expression and functional significance of OBCAM in cerebral astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. The confocal microscopic study revealed that the expression of OBCAM was prominent at filopodia and cellular processes of type-1 and -2 astrocytes.